Hey, kids — it’s time to decide what to be for Halloween. Have your sights set dressing up like Hannah Montana or Ironman? Join the crowd!
Halloween Express has been hopping as one of the popular places to pick out a costume for this year’s festivities. Manager Sean Morris, whose family also owns Morris Costumes in Charlotte, said people have been pouring in to make their selections.
For the really enthusiastic, Morris Costumes can make someone their dream costume.
“We’ve created the chicken suit for the Bojangles commercials and a film canister for Eckerd’s Drug Store,” he said. “There’s lots of options, so if you get an idea, we can probably make it happen.”
Among their costumes, teens were admiring the authentic Storm Trooper outfit, sold for $1,000.
“Lucas Films finally made them available to the public,” Morris said, as kids fawned over the costume.
The most popular outfits the store carries for men and boys are the Joker from Batman, Ironman and any Star Wars-themed item.
“A lot of the costumes become popular if a movie just came out,” Morris said. “The Clone Wars movie just went to video and I think a video game is on its way, so Star Wars is big right now.“
For girls, Disney’s High School Musical costumes have been flying off the shelves and for women, anything with a sexy theme has been bought quickly.
“Women seem to enjoy the sexy pirate costumes and the cop outfits,” Morris said with a laugh. “I think it’s the handcuffs on the last one. Those have been huge.”
For infants, Tom Arma plush costumes, like baby bees or animals, are top sellers.
“Tom Arma is exclusive to Halloween Express, and their costumes are really good because they’re washable,” he said.
Gabrielle and Derek Echanique were at the store with their parents, trying to choose the outfit that might get them the most candy.
“I want to be a beautiful princess — an ice princess,” she said. “I want to have a snowflake muff and look really pretty.“
“I want to be Indiana Jones,” piped up Derek. “I saw the movie and it was cool. I like Halloween because you get to go out on the street and meet new people.”
“Me too! I forgot to say that!” said his sister, giggling.
Also on hand to pick out their costumes were Sam and Mary Speaks with their mom.
“I’m going to be a Storm Trooper,” said Sam, holding up the bag with the outfit inside. “I really like Star Wars.”
His mother explained that in previous years, Sam has been both Obi Wan and Darth Vader.
Mary wasn’t as certain as to what she wanted to be.
“I think I want to be an angel,” she said shyly. After a pause, she added, “I can’t wait to get candy.”
By Megan Sprague